Even if you’re a loyal flosser and twice-a-day-for-two-minutes brusher, your regular eating and drinking habits may be sabotaging your efforts. You may know about the detriments of sugar, but items like acidic fruits, crunchy, starchy chips, and even alcohol can have a negative impact on your dental health. If you love your midday cocktail or after-work beer, here’s what you need to know from your dentist about how alcohol affects your teeth.

Sugar

Many alcoholic drinks, especially mixed ones like margaritas and cocktails, have a lot of sugar. If you drink it regularly, the sugar in alcohol can negatively impact your dental health, just like soda and soft drinks can. In one study, researchers found that alcohol can not only exacerbate existing periodontal disease but also put you at greater risk for periodontitis. If you’re craving a drink, beer, which has a low sugar content, is a good choice or ask your dentist about other low-sugar alternatives.

Acidity & Staining 

Alcoholic drinks like wine are made from grapes, which have a high acid content. Acid can break down tooth enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to cavities and tooth sensitivity. In addition, if you drink very dark alcoholic drinks like red wine or spiked coffees, those beverages can stain your pearly whites. If you do enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, white, dry wine is a better option.

Dry Mouth

If you take certain medications that cause dry mouth, that cocktail can make it even worse. Alcohol is a diuretic, so liquid, and therefore moisture, is leaving the body, which can leave you feeling dry. Since saliva production is essential for preventing tooth decay, you could be putting yourself at risk for oral health problems. If you plan to drink, alternate your alcoholic beverages with glasses of water to increase saliva in the mouth.

Don’t leave your dental health up to chance; make an appointment with Premier Dental in London, KY. Their team of oral health experts has been helping Kentuckians maintain their pearly whites with a wide range of dental procedures, from dentures and veneers to crowns and bridges. OSHA and CDC certified, you know your oral health is in the hands of a dentist you can trust. Learn more about maintaining your dental hygiene and periodontal health on their website or call (606) 877-3002 to schedule a visit with the dentist today.